Rodrigo Mendoza
ATM
Takes part in full training
Mendoza is training normally as Atletico Madrid began preseason on Monday under coach Diego Simeone, according to Atletico MD.
Analysis: Mendoza had ended last season sidelined with a muscle strain in his leg that forced an early exit and threatened his availability for the campaign's final matches. His full involvement in the club's opening preseason session suggests the issue has been resolved. The midfielder had operated mainly as a rotational option last season. Mendoza is expected to continue building toward full fitness as Atletico Madrid's preseason preparations get underway.
Suffering from strain
Mendoza is out for the time being due to a muscle injury in his leg, according to his club.
Analysis: Mendoza is going to need some time for recovery after an early exit in the last match, as the midfielder is now suffering from a strain. Unfortunately, this could knock him out of their penultimate match of the season, potentially returning for the finale against Villarreal on May 24. Luckily for the club, he has been more of a rotational option this campaign.
Forced off versus Osasuna
Mendoza exited Tuesday's visit to Osasuna after suffering a muscular injury, the severity of which is yet to be assessed.
Analysis: Mendoza made his fourth start in the last two months and missed one chance before being forced to leave the field in the 18th minute. He's now questionable ahead of the final couple of fixtures of the La Liga campaign. With both Pablo Barrios (thigh) and Johnny Cardoso (ankle) also dealing with physical problems, Robin Le Normand took Mendoza's place Tuesday, leaving Koke and Obed Vargas as the team's only central midfielders on the pitch.
Able to tally an assist
Rodrigo Mendoza assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 loss against Elche.
Analysis: Mendoza was largely ineffective as Atletico Madrid adjusted to playing a man down, but he was still able to get an assist. He'll need to be more aggressive to keep this up against Athletic, though the matchup is favorable as the side has given up 45 goals so far in La Liga play.
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